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Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Published on: August 17, 2022

Is there an immunologic basis for schizophrenia?

Brian E Leonard¹

¹Pharmacology Department, National University of Ireland,Galway, Ireland. belucg@iol.ie

Expert Review of Clinical Immunology

|May 19, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The immune system may play a role in schizophrenia, with T-helper 1 cells reduced and T-helper 2 cells/macrophages increased. Antipsychotic treatment normalizes these immune changes, suggesting new therapies targeting immune imbalance.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

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Published on: August 17, 2022

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)

Published on: March 25, 2016

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Psychiatry

Background:

Schizophrenia's cause is unknown despite effective antipsychotics targeting neurotransmitters.
Current treatments have limitations and side effects, including metabolic issues.
Focus is shifting towards genetic, neurodevelopmental, and immune factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the immune hypothesis of schizophrenia.
To investigate the role of adaptive immune system components in schizophrenia.
To identify potential new therapeutic targets based on immune modulation.

Main Methods:

Review of genetic, environmental, and infectious links to schizophrenia.
Analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets (T-helper 1 and T-helper 2) and macrophage activity.
Correlation of immune changes with antipsychotic treatment response.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests an immune component in schizophrenia, linked to genetic factors and in-utero viral infections.
Reduced T-helper 1 activity and increased T-helper 2/macrophage activity observed.
Antipsychotic treatment normalizes these observed immune system alterations.

Conclusions:

The immune hypothesis provides a framework for understanding schizophrenia's etiology.
Imbalances in adaptive immunity are implicated in schizophrenia.
Targeting immune system modulation may lead to novel antipsychotic drug development.